My friend Elizabeth introduced me to Jason Kramer via a Madonna social media post, which is how the best people meet each other. I checked out his charming website here and was instantly inspired by someone who has turned their passion into a career, enough so that Jason earns his first Dazzler of the Day crowning. Don’t take my cumbersome words for it, here’s an excerpt from his website that does a much better job explaining how he made his journey from theatre-lover to costume designer and more:
My fascination with the magic of Theatre began when my parents took me to a production of Peter Pan at 7 years old. I remember noticing that Peter’s “shadow” was made of a sheer fabric; that there was a wire helping him and the Darling children fly; that Tinker-bell was actually a tiny little spotlight that was definitely not kept alive by the power of my applause.
None of those realizations detracted from the magic—what they did do was ignite a creative spark in my brain. I knew that I was going to be one of the people who makes magic. Fast forward to California State University, Long Beach. This is where I started to learn about storytelling through Costume design. As a Costume Designer, I have a unique relationship with the characters I’m designing for. I get to use my tools to share our special bond with the audience. I get to speak to the audience about the world in which the characters inhabit, their innermost thoughts, feelings, relationships and experiences through the subliminal language of costume design.
I find great satisfaction in the collaborative process of design and do my best to instill joy and passion in every project I am a part of. I am inspired by costume history, Old Hollywood glamour, and contemporary fashion design. I find immense pleasure in creating detailed and expressive design that not only informs the viewer, but perhaps inspires the emerging magic-makers of the future.
Besides costume design, I feel the most powerful when I’m drawing—I’ve been doing it since I could hold a pencil! I also love to drink fancy coffee beverages, and binge murder mystery TV series and old seasons of Rupaul’s Drag Race. I believe dogs are the greatest gift ever bestowed upon humankind, and little boys should play with dolls and wear dresses if they want to. I also love pizza and tacos.
Currently, I’m living in Ashland, Oregon with my husband and two cats, Trixie and Pepper. I’d love to work with you—whether I’m designing costumes for a production, working as a Design Assistant, or bringing your designs to life via digital illustration, I’m here to bring excellence, passion, and JOY. ~ Jason Kramer
